Sliema: Gozo/Comino Blue Lagoon Gulet Cruise w/ Lunch+Drinks

Turquoise water and a full buffet day. On this Turkish gullet cruise from Sliema, you sail aboard The Fernandes toward Comino and the Blue Lagoon, with two anchored swim breaks plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

My favorite part is the overall pace: you get real time in the water, not just a quick stop, and the crew keeps the day moving with food breaks and plenty of deck time. I also like the value of the onboard setup, including a hot and cold buffet lunch with morning and afternoon snacks.

One thing to watch: the boat can feel crowded, and on busier or rougher days, you may end up with limited comfortable seating on deck.

Key Things I’d Focus on Before Booking

The Blue Lagoon trip has a new Malta access-pass rule starting May 2025.

Two swim stops give you more than one chance for photos and a proper swim.

Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, mineral water, soft drinks) come with lunch and throughout the day.

Deck time is part of the deal, so arriving early helps you snag a better spot.

Lunch is straightforward buffet food, designed for a day at sea, not fine dining.

From Sliema Ferries to Comino and Gozo: What the Day Feels Like

This is a classic Malta island-hopper day, done the laid-back way, on a traditional-style wooden Turkish gulet called The Fernandes. You leave from Sliema, head toward Comino for the famous Blue Lagoon area, then continue to Gozo for another anchored swim before returning to Sliema.

What makes this outing appealing is that it solves two travel problems at once. First, you do not need to coordinate ferries or hire separate boat transfers. Second, the tour gives you a “food and drinks plan” that runs with the itinerary, so you can spend your energy on swimming and enjoying the sea rather than hunting meals.

The day runs about 7.5 hours, which is long enough to feel like a proper escape but not so long that you are stuck on the water until late evening. In practice, it works best when you treat it like a beach day with a moving backdrop.

Where You Board in Sliema, and Why Getting There Early Matters

You board at Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, on the promenade side of the road. Look for the Turkish gulet, The Fernandes, and plan to arrive 30 minutes early for boarding.

Pickup is optional, but it is not a single fixed time. The cruise departure is listed as 10:00 AM, while pickup (if offered where you stay) can be any time between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, depending on your location. The key practical move is simple: contact the operator a few days ahead to confirm the exact pickup point and time for your hotel or closest meeting area.

If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you typically make your own way to the boat. That detail matters because you do not want to show up late and then spend your morning stressed.

Blue Lagoon Access Pass Rules: Plan This First

Here is the biggest “do this before you go” item. Malta now requires an access pass for visitors who want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon (Comino). This is a government-mandated directive that takes effect May 2025.

You get the pass in advance through the official site: blcomino.com. The daily pass allocation is limited, so applying earlier is smart. For this specific cruise, make sure you select the morning slot when applying for your pass.

Why I’m emphasizing this: without the pass, the most famous stop on the route becomes a logistical problem. If you like the idea of clear water and iconic photos, treat the access pass as step one, not step five.

The Fernandes Sailing Route: Cruising Between Cliffs and Coves

After you’re on board, the cruise follows Malta’s northern shoreline and then heads toward Comino. Expect classic Mediterranean scenery: rugged coastlines, small coves, and a lot of open sea time where you can relax without doing anything complicated.

This is also where you feel the vibe. Music plays on board, and the atmosphere can be lively. If you want quiet, you can still find calm, but you should know this cruise is not built like a silent nature trip.

Also, seas can change the whole mood of a day on a boat. The operator notes it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Even if you are usually fine, this is one outing where I’d take that warning seriously.

Swim Stop One at Comino: The Blue Lagoon Area Reality Check

The cruise’s first swim stop is at the Blue Lagoon on Comino, the spot everyone recognizes for its clear turquoise water. The tour description highlights a soft sandy seabed and bright water color, which is exactly what makes this bay so popular.

In real-world terms, popularity comes with tradeoffs. Comino’s Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially in peak times. That does not mean it’s not worth it. It just means you should plan to manage expectations: think first of water visibility and that iconic look, then consider timing and comfort.

You can swim, or you can just lounge and watch the sea. If you want the best experience, get yourself settled early in your time window and stay flexible. Also remember the access pass rule discussed above.

Swim Stop Two in Gozo: Where the Day Feels More Peaceful

After Comino, the cruise heads to Gozo and anchors in a secluded bay near the island. This second stop is often the one people remember for the feeling of space, because Gozo’s swimming areas can feel calmer than Comino’s most famous beach.

Two different swim-stop lengths show up in the details you’ll be likely to experience on this itinerary. One stop is commonly around two hours, and the other is around one hour. Exact timing can shift based on operations and conditions, but the overall idea holds: you get a longer swim opportunity and a shorter one.

This is a great moment to slow down. Sit on deck with a drink, take a proper swim, and then enjoy that in-between time when the boat is floating, not rushing.

Lunch on Board: Buffet, Unlimited Drinks, and Real-Time Timing

Lunch is served on board as a hot and cold buffet. Along with it, you also get unlimited drinks all day: beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks. There are also morning and afternoon snacks, plus fruit at some points during the day.

This is not meant to be a gourmet food experience. It is food engineered for a boat schedule. You generally eat, then get back out into the sun. That is why this kind of package works: it removes decision-making.

One timing detail that can affect your day: lunch is served around midday. Some days it may run in a window that feels tight if you’re still in the water. If you are the type who likes to snorkel between swims, keep an eye on the schedule the crew gives you so you don’t feel rushed.

Bottom line: you should expect satisfying, plentiful buffet food and steady drinks. It hits the practical goal well.

Drinks, Music, and the On-Deck Vibe

The unlimited drink element makes a big difference for morale. It is hard to beat a day where you can refresh without stepping off the boat to find a bar.

Music is part of the fun for many people. Some passengers like it as background party energy. If you are older and prefer quiet, you might still enjoy the cruise, but you may want to position yourself away from the most music-forward areas on deck.

Also, remember that the boat is a shared space. That means personal comfort can vary. If you want the best chance of a comfortable lounging spot, be ready to arrive early and keep your expectations realistic about deck seating.

Seating and Comfort: The One Tradeoff I’d Plan Around

This cruise uses deck space, and on busy days it can get crowded. The trip is not described like a comfort-forward lounge cruise with assigned chairs. Some people end up sitting on deck surfaces or mats depending on what is available.

If you are an older traveler, or you simply want a comfortable seat for hours, this is the one consideration that can change your whole experience. Getting on early, grabbing a good spot, and keeping your day mindset flexible makes a big difference.

Also, if the sea is rough, movement can add to the discomfort. Since the tour notes it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, treat that warning as a real part of the comfort equation, not a footnote.

Optional Add-Ons: Comino Caves and a Crystal Lagoon Jet Boat Trip

The cruise includes the main itinerary and a standard swim-and-sail format. There is an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon, but it is not included in the base price and must be booked and paid on location.

If you’re curious about extra cave time, this is a good add-on to consider, because it lets you extend the Comino theme beyond the main Blue Lagoon swim.

Price and Value: Is $84 a Good Deal for This Day?

At $84 per person, this cruise is positioned as a value option because it bundles several costly pieces together: boat ride, pickup if available at your location, a full buffet lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks.

You are not just paying for scenery. You are paying to have meals and drinks handled in one package during a 7.5 hour day. That is why people tend to rate this kind of tour well when the day matches expectations: you come for the sea, and the tour delivers the comfort basics in between swims.

Is it a luxury experience? No. But that might be the point. You get a full day on the water, two swim stops, and plenty of time to enjoy Comino and Gozo without stitching together multiple activities yourself.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Want to Skip It)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A simple one-day plan with food and drinks included
• Two swim stops so your day has more than one water highlight
• A social deck vibe with music and an easy pace

It might not be a great fit if you:

• Are prone to seasickness (the tour specifically says it is not suitable)
• Need guaranteed comfortable seating for long stretches on deck
• Have mobility needs that make boat deck seating difficult (the details mention wheelchair accessibility, but also states it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so I would confirm directly)

If you are a couple, a friend group, or a family that’s happy to spend the day outdoors and in the water, this is an easy match.

What to Bring: The Packing List That Actually Saves Your Day

Bring the essentials listed for the tour:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Cash comes up because the tour notes that optional items are handled on location, and some onboard rentals can be cash-based. Also, you are in and out of the water, so sunscreen is not optional unless you want to pay for your day later.

One practical tip based on what people learn the hard way: if you want snorkeling gear, it can be easier to sort it before boarding rather than relying on whatever is available on the boat. Buying in Sliema helps you avoid a situation where equipment is not ideal.

Should You Book This Sliema to Gozo and Comino Blue Lagoon Gulet Cruise?

Yes, if your goal is a classic Malta boat day with two swim breaks and a lunch-and-drinks package that keeps you from thinking too much. It’s especially worth it when you plan ahead for the Blue Lagoon access pass and show up early enough to get a comfortable spot on deck.

But book with open eyes if you are sensitive to crowding or comfort issues on shared boat decks, or if you know you get seasick. Fix those concerns in your planning, and this cruise can feel like a perfect day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart in Sliema?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, on the promenade side of the road. You should look for the Turkish gulet called The Fernandes.

What time does the cruise leave?

The cruise departure time is 10:00 AM. If pickup is available where you stay, your pickup time can be between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, depending on your location, and you should confirm the details with the operator.

How long is the cruise, and how many swim stops are included?

The duration is 7.5 hours, and the itinerary includes 2 swim stops.

Is lunch and drinking included?

Yes. You get a buffet lunch plus unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks. There are also morning and afternoon snacks included.

Do I need a pass to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Malta requires a government-issued access pass for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it in advance at blcomino.com, and for this cruise you should select the morning slot.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Who should avoid this cruise?

The tour states it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness and not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It also does not allow mobility scooters.